Merrill is 2 to 3 years younger than both of them so he is a little hard to compare. He is ahead of where the other 2 were when they were his age, but Hamonic looked excellent in the NHL, and Smith looks wicked offensively.

Overall I would take em

Hamonic

then it is a toss up between
Merrill or Smith (I like Merrill's 2-way game a little better so I would probably give him the slight

But any of these guys could end up being the best of the bunch; can't really say now.

Merrill is 2 to 3 years younger than both of them so he is a little hard to compare. He is ahead of where the other 2 were when they were his age, but Hamonic looked excellent in the NHL, and Smith looks wicked offensively.

Overall I would take em

Hamonic

then it is a toss up between
Merrill or Smith (I like Merrill's 2-way game a little better so I would probably give him the slight

But any of these guys could end up being the best of the bunch; can't really say now.

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How is Merrill ahead of where Smith was at the same age? They both put up the same PPG as freshman

How is Merrill ahead of where Smith was at the same age? They both put up the same PPG as freshman

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How can you compare to players only on ppg? You have look in what collegiate league they played in, their role on the team, 2-way play, number of games etc.

Merrill maintained that through double as many games, being uncontested #1 d-man on a team (He had some flaws defensively, but was easily well ahead of Smith at that age in 2-way play) that made it to the finals. He was nominated for top offensive and defensive d-men in the CCHA and was voted top D-men on the US U20s.

If Merrill had the same freshmen year as Smith we wouldn't be having this discussion. Smith really shined the passed couple years though, and I am not sure if Merrill will keep on improving on his current pace, so I think that we will have to wait and see who ends up better.

I'll go on the fact that the Devils have no clue how to draft players, especially defenseman unless it's in the top 5. So until I see Merrill play in the NHL, I'm not going to be impressed. Smith simply because the Red Wings basically are a lock to develop any prospect with a high talent level.

I'll also go on the fact that a lot of high draft picks that play at Michigan, simply don't turn out to be what teams thought they would be when they drafted them.

I think Hamonic is being overrated on HF. He looks to be a future top 4 NHL defenseman who can chip in 25-35 points per season while playing good defense. I don't see first pairing or All star potential that has been mentioned.

I'll go on the fact that the Devils have no clue how to draft players....

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Yep, Zajac, Parise, Josefson, Tedenby....all within the last several years. Not to mention Bergfors, who was required to make the Kovalchuk trade.

Based on that, one can only conclude that you were born after these events took place (meaning 2010) or, once again, we are being subjected to the delightful delusionals of a red, white and blue pajama wearer.

I think Hamonic is being overrated on HF. He looks to be a future top 4 NHL defenseman who can chip in 25-35 points per season while playing good defense. I don't see first pairing or All star potential that has been mentioned.

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I have not heard Hamonic described in this way. Can you offer us why you think he does not have first pairing potential?

I'll go on the fact that the Devils have no clue how to draft players, especially defenseman unless it's in the top 5. So until I see Merrill play in the NHL, I'm not going to be impressed. Smith simply because the Red Wings basically are a lock to develop any prospect with a high talent level.

I'll also go on the fact that a lot of high draft picks that play at Michigan, simply don't turn out to be what teams thought they would be when they drafted them.

I think Hamonic is being overrated on HF. He looks to be a future top 4 NHL defenseman who can chip in 25-35 points per season while playing good defense. I don't see first pairing or All star potential that has been mentioned.

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Last season Hamonic had 26 points in 62 games(which would prorate to 34 over 82 games), so you basically think his potential for offense will level out or get worse as he gets older then? Kind of sucks to have a career year at 20.

I have not heard Hamonic described in this way. Can you offer us why you think he does not have first pairing potential?

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I think Hamonic has that potential for sure, I'm not going be one of those guys who just says "Oh my teams prospect blah blah blah".

I dont think Hamonic will be the offensive catalyst of a first line however. He will be more of a complimentary shut down type to a strong offensive type. I dont see him being a guy that should be a good teams go to offensive defenseman.

Smith (definitely) and Merrill (had a good year but still young) are showing development towards being those big go to offensive guys, who you could pair with a guy like Hamonic.

As a wings fan though, Smiths combination of offense and toughness makes me say I wouldnt trade him for the other 2. Kronwall is a game changer offensively and physically and thats exactly what Smith will be, as well as momentum changing fights

I dont think Hamonic will be the offensive catalyst of a first line however. He will be more of a complimentary shut down type to a strong offensive type. I dont see him being a guy that should be a good teams go to offensive defenseman.

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Hamonic is the type of guy who does a bit of everything and probably will get 40+ points going up against the other teams top lines

Kronwall is a game changer offensively and physically and thats exactly what Smith will be, as well as momentum changing fights

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Kronwall has broke 40 points once(51 in 2010/11) and had another season where if he wasn't injured he most likely could have broke 40 points(35 points in 65 games). if that is your definition of "game changer offensively" then Hamonic should be around that level in a few years

How can you compare to players only on ppg? You have look in what collegiate league they played in, their role on the team, 2-way play, number of games etc.

Merrill maintained that through double as many games, being uncontested #1 d-man on a team (He had some flaws defensively, but was easily well ahead of Smith at that age in 2-way play) that made it to the finals. He was nominated for top offensive and defensive d-men in the WCHA and was voted top D-men on the US U20s.

If Merrill had the same freshmen year as Smith we wouldn't be having this discussion. Smith really shined the passed couple years though, and I am not sure if Merrill will keep on improving on his current pace, so I think that we will have to wait and see who ends up better.